I believe it was when I first heard "Pesos" that I was intrigued with A$AP Rocky. Listening to the song led to watching the video...that led me to being shocked at its under 3 minute run time...that led me to thinking this guy looks like he's straight up out of 1994. You know "old school Snoop Gin & Juice video!"
Regardless of all of those options I was captivated by this guys image. That is the most outstanding thing about A$AP Rocky. That and his work ethic. I downloaded his mixtape and I was hooked.
So as we are days into his major debut, Long.Live.A$AP, I'm going to break down the good and the bad about the new project.
THIS IS WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
- The Weight of Content: Although I don't have an issue with a 12 track album (I actually prefer a short album), I feel that there could have been a little more meat with the potatoes. The project is missing things like skits or some context about the HISTORY of A$AP. Yeah he talks about it in the interviews but we want to hear how he feels about it in his raps.
- Lyricism from A$AP: I usually like Rocky's lyrical content because even though it isn't thick it'll give you a clear dynamic of how he feels. There are times where his features outshine him. For instance on "1Train" his verse should have made the track complete instead of seeming like an addition to the song. I know that's difficult to do with so much talent on one track but his effort could have been pushed a little further.
- Not So Stand Out Tracks: Hell, Pain, Jodye, Angels
THIS IS WHAT I DO LIKE:
- The Production: I'm digging how dynamic the range of production is. I haven't really read through the credits but I LOVE Clams Casino's work on Lvl. The entire project gives that spacey X boom pap feel. The listener is transported to another world where Screw meets the Future. 1Train and Ghetto Symphony have some excellent production work. Sonically they stand out.
- The Features: This is not one of those projects where the features are awkward. They definitely make sense for each song. There is no one that stands out as downright horrible. YES, even Gucci and Waka Flaka who I can't even locate in the mix of Jodye. That's probably why I'm okay with it. Nice!
- Songs that Stand Out: Ghetto Symphony, 1Train, F*ckin' Problems, Long.Live.A$AP, Lvl
So Would I Recommend this album? HELL yes I would. Although I feel there are a few trivial things wrong with it, the project is still good sonically. That's what matters at the end of the day. I enjoy the music as a whole. So go out and cop A$AP Rocky's Long.Live.A$AP. -wordplay
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